Wimbledon 2014 Ladies’ Day: Which decade was the best for women’s fashion at The Championships

Wimbledon 2014 has kicked off, and today is Ladies’ Day. And while we’re looking forward to some stunning tennis we’ll also be hoping for some headline grabbing fashion statements.

With household favourites Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova taking to the courts today, we couldn’t think of a better time to see how much tennis has changed for the ladies of Wimbledon.

And when it comes to fashion – let’s face it – the women really do have a lot more going on. Let’s admire the best of the ladies’ tennis whites throughout the years…

1. The tasteful 1920s

(Picture: Daily Mail /REX)

While most people dream of Great Gatsby glamour when they think of the roaring twenties, it was a little different on the courts. Less flapper girls, and more modest, midi skirts and practical hair turbans. It may seem conservative but in its own way it was a style rebellion when compared to the whalebone corsets of the Edwardian era.

While Wimbledon is known for being steeped in tradition, particularly when it comes to clothing guidelines, there was no stopping fashion trends from the outside society creeping in. And if Coco Chanel says we should be wearing trousers, who are we to argue?

4. The fashionable 1950s

(Picture: Associated Newspapers/REX)

The fifties, AKA the best example of (sartorial) history repeating itself. We’re pretty sure we have that scalloped playsuit in our ASOS ‘Saved Items’.

Not to mention that cute Peter Pan collar skater dress – we can’t really believe this was designed for sweating in.

5. The sassy 1960s

(Picture: Associated Newspapers/REX)

Bam! The sixties are here and fashion meets tennis in an undeniable, unapologetic combination.

Gone are the feminine, cinched waists and in are the big hairdos. That is, unless you’re sticking with practicality, in which case you’ll be embracing sporty shorts and polo shirts – a firm tennis favourite from now on.

In come the 70s and the girls are starting to toy with the strict guidelines. While a little colour is technically allowed, it’s still seen as rather brazen. We say with colour television now in most families’ households, all-white is a bit of a waste.

7. The outrageous 1980s

(Picture: Associated Newspapers/REX)

We don’t even need to look below the hair level to detect that this is, undeniably, the eighties. The good news? Fashion happily coincides with practicality. It’s pretty cool to sport a sweatband, and they come in unlimited snazzy designs.

8. The nonchalant 1990s

(Picture: Associated Newspapers/REX)

The 90s have arrived and we’re glad to report that the Wimbledon women seem to have found a style that works for everyone, with mobility-friendly skirts and breathable yet smart polo tops. The devil is in the detail, however, because it’s all about your choice of colour customisation (just so long as there’s not too much, okay?)

9. The noisy 00s

(Picture: Associated Newspapers/REX)

Without being heavy handed about it, some may argue that the Noughties are aptly named. More than ever are our Wimbledon champions experimenting with tennis fashion and fearlessly bending the rules.

Who will be your winner – the one that gets to the finals or the one with the superior stylist? Watch this space.